COLUMNIST
Two Years of Purposeful Leadership, Impactful Projects and Improved Lives
Two Years of Purposeful Leadership, Impactful Projects and Improved Lives
Kingsley Timothy
Two years into the administration of Hon. Engr Emmanuel Inyang as Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, the story has been one of deliberate interventions, infrastructure development and support for the people.
Since assuming office on 7 October 2024, following his swearing-in by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the administration has focused on addressing some of the immediate needs of the people while laying the foundation for sustainable development across the Local Government Area.
From roads and electricity to education, healthcare, empowerment and social welfare, the administration has implemented a number of projects and programmes across communities, with several others still ongoing.
INFRASTRUCTURE: ADDRESSING COMMUNITY NEEDS
One of the visible areas of intervention has been infrastructure.
The renovation of the Divisional Police Headquarters, Mkpat Enin; construction and furnishing of the Traditional Rulers Complex; rehabilitation of the Nigerian Legion House; furnishing of staff offices and renovation of the Ekong Sampson Unity Hall.
The construction of the Ikot Akpaden Motor Park is also nearing completion, while the administration has completed the ARISE Compassionate Homes for homeless residents.
Other infrastructure interventions include the ongoing remodelling, landscaping and perimeter fencing of the Council Secretariat is expected to give the administrative headquarters a new look and provide a better working environment for staff and visitors.
Electricity supply has equally received attention, particularly in communities that have experienced prolonged outages.
A brand-new 300KVA transformer was provided for Ikot Oyoro after about five years without electricity. Transformers were also rehabilitated at Ndon Ibotio, Ikot Akpan Ukam and Mkpat Enin Urban.
Other electricity projects include the rehabilitation of the transformer and replacement of vandalised poles at Ikot Esen Akpan, ongoing installation of electric poles and construction of a new 300KVA transformer substation, as well as electricity extension involving about 50 poles and rehabilitation of the transformer at Ibiaku Village.
EMPOWERING THE PEOPLE
Beyond physical projects, the administration has also placed considerable emphasis on economic empowerment.
As part of activities marking the first anniversary in office, the Chairman introduced the ₦100 million Emmancipation Empowerment Scheme, through which support was provided to small businesses, traders, market women and students and People With Disabilities.
The empowerment programme also saw beneficiaries receive various tools and equipment, including generating sets, refrigerators, hair dryers, barbing kits, sewing machines and grinding machines.
The objective has been to give people the means to start or strengthen their businesses and improve their sources of livelihood.
The administration also facilitated skills acquisition for 10 youths at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre and supported ICT training for youths within the Local Government Area.
In the area of road access, about 77 kilometres of roads have been graded across different communities.
INVESTING IN EDUCATION AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Education has remained an important part of the administration’s intervention programmes.
34 million was disbursed as bursary support to 580 students in tertiary institutions. The bursary programme covered 100 postgraduate students who received ₦100,000 each and 480 undergraduate students who received ₦50,000 each.
More than 10,000 educational materials have been distributed to pupils and students.
The administration also purchased 100 JAMB forms for indigenes of Mkpat Enin and paid school fees for more than 100 students in tertiary institutions.
Another notable intervention was the production and distribution of Ibibio/English phonetics textbooks to public schools across the Local Government Area, providing pupils with learning materials designed to support early language development.
The administration has equally supported the training and sponsorship of youths participating in the Akwa Ibom Sports Festival.
HEALTHCARE AT THE GRASSROOTS
In healthcare, the administration has supported programmes aimed at making basic health services more accessible to residents.
It partnered with V Care for Development Foundation (VCDF) to support free eye-care services, including primary eye-care consultations and corrective surgeries.
Insecticide-treated mosquito nets were also distributed, while Primary Health Centres received deep freezers, megaphones and other medical equipments.
The administration further supported the training of Traditional Birth Attendants and programmes focused on maternity and child healthcare.
SUPPORT FOR THE VULNERABLE AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
The administration’s social intervention efforts have also reached vulnerable members of the community.
Orphans, widows and other less-privileged residents have received financial assistance, and other forms of support at different times.
The administration has also provided official vehicles to the Leader of the Legislature, the Secretary of Council and the Head of Local Government Service, Mkpat Enin.
Monthly stipends to traditional rulers, youth presidents and town criers have also been maintained, reinforcing the administration’s support for traditional institutions and youth leadership across the Local Government Area.
LOOKING AHEAD
For the Chairman, the second anniversary is not only a time to reflect on the journey so far but also an opportunity to set the tone for the next phase of the administration.
With the administration now entering its third year, more projects, programmes and empowerment initiatives are expected, with emphasis on improving the lives of residents and creating more opportunities for the people.
Today, 7 October 2026, marks two years of purposeful service under the leadership of Hon. Engr. Emmanuel Inyang as Executive Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
The journey so far has been marked by projects, empowerment initiatives and interventions touching different aspects of the lives of the people.
As the administration enters its third year, the commitment remains to consolidate on the gains already recorded, complete ongoing projects and do even more for the people of Mkpat Enin.
